MILWAUKEE (BUSINESS WIRE), May 05, 2011 - The Northwestern Mutual Foundation is making a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross to provide immediate relief to citizens following the devastating tornadoes that hit Southeastern states over the past month.

Northwestern Mutual has offices in affected areas and has learned that some associates have been impacted by the severe weather. The extended Northwestern Mutual family is prepared to help colleagues through this difficult time and will be addressing needs directly with the local offices.

“In the wake of such widespread devastation, it is imperative that we unite to help those most affected,” said John Schlifske, Northwestern Mutual chairman and chief executive officer. “This disaster hits home for us. Our collective thoughts are with the victims – we hope for a quick and effective recovery. We also encourage those who can help to do so now. One way to do so is through the American Red Cross.”

Since March 31, spring storms have resulted in tornadoes, floods and severe weather in Southeastern states. These events have destroyed thousands of homes and uprooted millions of lives across the country.

The Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s $100,000 donation will be used at the discretion of the American Red Cross to help relief efforts in the most affected areas.

The donation is being made during a tour where Northwestern Mutual Chairman and CEO John Schlifske and Steve Forbes, chairman and editor in chief of Forbes Media, will speak to business and community leaders in seven cities around the U.S. this week, including Raleigh, N.C. and Charlotte, N.C.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters. The Red Cross is a charitable organization -- not a government agency -- and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org.

About Northwestern Mutual Foundation

The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is to build strong, vibrant communities that serve as a legacy to future generations. Over the past decade, the Foundation has donated $170 million to nonprofit organizations across the country; in fiscal year 2010 alone, the Foundation contributed more than $15 million.

Northwestern Mutual is the World’s Most Admired Life Insurance Company, according to executives, directors and analysts worldwide responding to FORTUNE® magazine’s 2011 annual survey.

The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company – Milwaukee, WI (Northwestern Mutual) has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 150 years. As a mutual company with $1.2 trillion of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual has no shareholders. The company focuses solely and directly on its clients and seeks to deliver consistent and dependable value to them over time.

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Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries. Life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits are issued by The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM). Long-term care insurance is issued by Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, (NLTC) a subsidiary of NM. Securities are offered through Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, (NMIS) a subsidiary of NM, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC. Fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services are offered through Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC), Milwaukee, WI, a subsidiary of NM and a federal savings bank. Products and services referenced are offered and sold only by appropriately appointed and licensed entities and financial professionals. Not all products and services are available in all states.